The Icon at 130: Louis Vuitton’s Monogram Enters Its “Main Character” Era
- Taylor Freeze
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
If there is one thing that never goes out of style, it’s a legend. This year, the fashion world isn’t just celebrating a pattern; we’re celebrating a global heartbeat. Louis Vuitton’s iconic Monogram is officially turning 130, and darling, she’s never looked better.
Born in 1896 from the visionary mind of Georges Vuitton as a love letter to his father, the Monogram has survived world shifts, trend cycles, and the transition from steamships to private jets. To mark this massive milestone, the House is dropping three anniversary collections—Origine, VVN, and Time Trunk—that prove heritage is anything but dusty.
Here is your guide to the pieces we’ll be seeing (and craving) all season.
1. Monogram Origine: The Pastel Dream
Think of this as the Monogram’s soft-glam makeover. Inspired by a 1908 archival register, the Origine collection swaps the classic coated canvas for a tactile linen-and-cotton blend. The result? A textured, "vintage-soul" feel that’s as light as a Parisian spring.
While the classic Ebène sets the stage, the real stars are the delicate pastel accents: Lin (cream), Vert Asnières (a nod to the LV workshop), Rose Ruban, and Bleu Courrier.
The VIVANT Pick: The Speedy 20 Trunk. It’s the perfect blend of a heritage shape with a fresh, candy-colored palette.
Scent-Sational: Even your vanity gets an upgrade. LV’s star fragrances—Imagination, Attrape-Rêves, and L’Immensité—are dressing up in these new anniversary shades.
2. VVN: For the Leather Purists
If you know, you know. VVN (Vache Végétale Naturelle) is the "quiet luxury" heart of Louis Vuitton. For 130 years, this pale, untreated cowhide has been the trim on your favorite bags, destined to darken into a rich, golden patina that tells the story of your travels.
In this collection, the VVN leather takes center stage, covering the House’s most iconic shapes in a buttery, glowy finish. It’s an ode to the artisan’s touch—raw, authentic, and incredibly chic. It’s the kind of bag you buy now and pass down to your granddaughter.
3. Time Trunk: The Ultimate Illusion
Nicolas Ghesquière has always been a master of "futuristic nostalgia," and the Time Trunk collection is his latest magic trick. Using high-definition trompe-l’œil printing, the House has reproduced the textures of historic trunks—complete with metal corners, rivets, and aged patina—onto soft canvas. It’s an optical illusion of the best kind: it looks like a heavy, rigid trunk from the 1800s, but it carries like a lightweight, modern bag.
Keep an eye out: Look closely at the print on the Noé or Alma—you’ll find the bag’s initial hidden discreetly within the artwork.
The Legend Lives On
Whether it’s the Speedy (the 1930s icon of mobility) or the Neverfull (the 2007 modern essential), the Monogram remains the ultimate status symbol because it refuses to stand still.
As Louis Vuitton kicks off a year of celebrations, we’re reminded that the Monogram isn't just a logo—it’s a living emblem of where we’ve been and where we’re going. Happy 130th, LV. We’ll see you in the front row.
Explore the collections at Louis Vuitton boutiques and online.
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